The American Legion Library and Emil A. Blackmore Museum, located at National Headquarters in Indianapolis, preserve and provide access to extensive collections documenting the organization’s history, including materials available through its digital archives.
Documenting History
Together, the Library and Museum exist to document, preserve, and interpret the history of The American Legion at the national level. Established in 1923, the Library & Archive serves as the official repository for national records, including resolutions, convention and executive committee proceedings, publications, and visual materials such as photographs and posters.
Complementing these records, the Emil A. Blackmore Museum preserves artifacts and exhibits that bring the organization’s legacy to life, from uniforms, medals, and convention memorabilia to original documents such as the handwritten draft of the 1944 GI Bill. Through both physical and online exhibits, these collections provide historical context for the Legion’s policies, programs, and impact over time.
Learn more below, or explore our online collections.
Established in 1967, the Emil A. Blackmore Museum serves as a showcase for historical documents and artifacts related to the history of The American Legion national organization.